Brazilian Pianist for Minnesota Weddings

Question:

Dear Reverend Coleman,

I saw your wonderful page about wedding music options in Minnesota, and thought I'd drop you a line. My name is Will Lopes, and I sing and play piano for wedding ceremonies and receptions in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area.

I'm originally from Brazil but I've been living in the US since 2002. I recently moved to the Twin Cities. I’ve being singing and playing in weddings and ceremonies for over 15 years now and I’d like to offer my services if you ever need. I have some CDs out, and below is a little biographical information about me and my work. My phone number is 651-633-6479 ext. 123 or (515) 570 6534, and my e-mail is willl@extendgrace.org

Resume:

• Will Lopes holds a bachelor's degree in Sacred Music from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary and a diploma in piano and music theory from the Music Conservatory of the FS State University.
  
• Lopes has sung for companies as Levi's and Coca-Cola in their jingle commercials. In the summer of 2004, he traveled in a national tour with the Continental Singers Ministries as a soloist. He has worked as an professor at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.
  
• In addition to his fine piano skills and vocal abilities, Lopes has also been commissioned to write choral arrangements for high schools and colleges around the States. His commissioned works include a medley from Broadway's hit "Aida", Disney's "Tarzan", and an arrangement of the Christmas' classic "Mary Did You Know?".
  
• Today, Lopes works as the Director of Creative Arts and Worship at Grace Church in Roseville, MN.

Sincerely,

Will Lopez

Answer:

Dear Will,

Your services sound wonderful, and I wish you the very best with your musical career!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Minnesota Wedding Officiant & Planner

Former Uptown Mpls. police station now wedding reception site!

FIVE Event Center in Uptown Minneapolis, MN

Interior of the new FIVE Event Center

Question:

Hi, Rev Coleman,

Thanks for taking time out of your day to chat with me for a bit regarding FIVE Event Center, in the Lyn-Lake area of Uptown Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am very excited to get this venue off the ground and appreciate your help! Per your request, here are photos and a short description. Let me know if you would like to see the venue or if you need any other information!

Description:

Formerly the Fifth Police Precinct in Minneapolis, FIVE blends contemporary design with warm colors and textures to create a truly unique space for private events. Located in Uptown, FIVE is a great example of eclectic Uptown vibe mixed with Downtown sophistication.

Our venue is one of few in the area that welcome any caterer licensed by the City of Minneapolis. In addition, we can provide a highly-recommended list of caterers that fit all tastes and budgets, such as Wolfgang Puck Catering, Macy's Design Cuisine, D’Amico Catering, Prom Catering, and Twin City Celebrations.

Capacity: There are 2 levels which include a ground floor bar perfect for pre-function cocktails that accommodates up to 100 people. A spacious 2nd floor, with an additional service bar, can accommodate up to 200 people for sit-down dinners. Utilizing both floors with food stations, the space can hold up to 375 people.

Call Jennifer at 612-827-5555 for rental rates and additional information.

Thanks again,

Jennifer

Jennifer A. Arnold
Event Manager
FIVE Event Center



Answer:

Dear Jennifer,

I know exactly the place you're talking about - the former police station just a few doors north of Bryant-Lake Bowl! That's a beautiful building, and it's wonderful that you've converted into such a hip and gorgeous spot for wedding ceremonies.

Minneapolis couples are going to be so happy to find such a unique spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions. You have a wonderful reception site, and have done amazing things to it to make it beautiful, functional, and oh-so-hip!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
Minneapolis wedding officiant

Minnesota residents getting married in Wisconsin (not allowed)

Can Minnesota residents get married in Wisconsin?

Question:

Dear Reverend Tomkin,

My fiancé and I both live in Minnesota but planned on getting married in Cable, Wisconsin at Telemark Resort.

Can we just get the normal MN marriage license and have our officiate sign it the day of or is there extra forms/things I need to complete in order to get married in Wisconsin but recognized in MN?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Minnesota Groom


Answer:

Dear MG,

Wow, I try to answer all possible questions on my page about MN marriage licenses, but there are always different types of situations such as yours!

Unfortunately, to get married in Wisconsin, you can't use a Minnesota marriage license - you have to use one from Wisconsin. And Wisconsin regulations are absurdly strict - not only does one of you needs to have resided for at least 30 days in the Wisconsin, but you need to have resided in the county where you are applying. Note: While you do have to be a WI resident to get married in Wisconsin, I had this part about WI county residency requirements wrong. Per the e-mail below, the county residency requirement is not as strict as I thought it was.

I'm sorry, that's not the answer you wanted to hear, but at least you know know what you're dealing with!

Warm regards,

Rev. Tomkin Coleman
MN wedding officiant & planner


Follow-up!

Good afternoon, Rev. Tomkin,

I just wanted to forward on some information that I found out. It just applies to Wisconsin weddings, but I thought you might be interested. I've talked to the Bayfield county clerks office in WI and they gave me a little more insight about the rules.

You do have to be a Wisconsin resident to get married in Wisconsin, but it is not a requirement to live in the Wisconsin county that you want to get married in for 30 days. The wording is just confusing. She explained that if you are a current Wisconsin resident, and live in a specific county for 30 days or longer then it is required to get the marriage license in that county. However, if you haven't lived in that county for 30 days but lived in a different county in Wisconsin, then you have to file with the county that you previously lived in. I hope that makes sense.

Of course, this provision doesn't really apply to your Minnesota couples, but I thought they'd find it interesting.

Thanks for your help!

Wedding day keepsakes from friends and relatives

Wedding day keepsakes from guests who can't attend, handwritten with their good wishes for the couple

Question:

Dear Rev. Coleman,

It was so nice chatting with you the other day! We talked about how when relatives and friends have to miss someone's wedding, they feel so bad about it, and a gift only goes so far. As I mentioned, the idea of a "keepsake", where friends or relatives write out their thoughts and good wishes in a more formal way can be a great idea.

Alternately, the keepsake can be given to guests at the rehearsal dinner or during the wedding reception. For instance, the couple can place a pen and one keepsake at each plate, and then the couple can invite guests to take a few moments during the rehearsal dinner or reception to write words of memory, appreciation and blessing to the couple.

Would you be willing to direct people to this link in order to purchase keepsakes if they are interested? They come in packets of 10 for $4.95, so are fifty cents each.

Thanks!

Rev. Frank Nelson


Answer:

Dear Rev. Nelson,

What a great idea! I should hand these out to couples, too - it's a great way of letting guests (whether they can make the wedding or not) tell the couple how much they appreciate them. A guestbook can be nice for such thoughts, for instance, but it's even better with specific questions, like in the keepsake you have.

Plus, they're really attractive, too - great idea!

Warmly,

Pastor Tomkin